KABUL - The Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) on Tuesday lent it weight behind the High Peace Council (HPC) new peace strategy and expressed its readiness for any kind of support.
A statement issued by HPC’s media office in Kabul said HPC chief Mohammad Karim Khalili, secretary reconciliation Mohammad Akram Khpalwak and President’s special envoy on political affairs and others called on HIA leader Gulbaddin Hikmatyar at his residence on Tuesday.
HPC’s deputies and some other leadership members of the council were also present at the meeting, the statement said,.
It quoted Khpalwak as calling the HIA’s signing of peace pact a ‘bold step’ by Hekmatayar.
He said under the HPC new strategy, former jihadi leaders and political figures would be consulted on implementation of the strategy and achieving peace.
Khaili said the meeting was aimed at having consultations and attracting support from the HIA leadership.
About the new strategy, he said it was designed to be more inclusive and ensure participation of Afghanistan people in the peace process.
HIA leader Hekmatary announced his party’s full support to the new strategy, saying he was ready for any kind of assistance to the peace process in order to bring to a complete halt to the war and violence in the country.
He said most of the insurgents were in favor of peace but a handful were hell-bent on war. “Fighting never wins and all should know except peace, there is no other choice.”
However, he added: “Peace is possible if justice is ensured and insurgents are convinced about the justice.”(Pajhwok)